Razer Headset Razer Gaming Headsets
Best Kraken Headset Razer Kraken 7.1 Chroma Headset
Value for Money 7
Ease of Use 9
Durability/Workmanship 7
Comfortable 9
Audio Quality 10
Total Score 42
Overall Score /100 84
Connection Wired
Audio Razar Synapse
Microphone Retractable
Driver Size 40mm
Weight 0.75lb
SUMMARY:
We’ve reviewed a couple of Kraken’s already today, and I was initially worried a few of these would get caught in the mix.
Luckily…… each headset has its distinct appeal, and the 7.1 Chroma is no different.
Put simply…… this headset is a somewhat more expensive version of the two Krakens that we’ve looked at already, and with that heightened price tag comes some great features and better workmanship.
First off…… all of the issues with mic quality which I had mentioned for the Kraken X USB have been rectified – both incoming and outgoing audio is crisp and clear with this headset, and clearly superior to either of the other two Krakens.
This headset also has active noise canceling hardware, which works well enough. There’s relatively little residual feedback when active, and I had a more immersive experience with this headset than with the other two models.
Countering that immersion, though, this headset is also a little heavier, than the other two models, and no longer rests effortlessly on your head.
Unfortunately, this weight can be felt even more, given subpar padding and a tight band that can create some pinching over long periods. Us gamers are used to wearing headsets for hours on end, so this is not an insignificant issue.
Overall…… these headphones were solid, but weren’t really giving me any convincing reasons to shell out the extra cash over the original Kraken.
PROS
- -Excellent incoming and outgoing sound quality
-Solid noise cancellation
-Good balance of weight and durability
CONS
- -Poor workmanship leads to durability issues
-Some pinching on the ears and head
Best USB Ultralight Gaming Headset
Value for Money 8
Ease of Use 10
Durability/Workmanship 7
Comfortable 8
Audio Quality 7
Total Score 40
Overall Score /100 80
Connection Wired
Audio Stereo Surround Sound
Microphone Bendable
Driver Size 40mm
Weight 0.61
SUMMARY:
In many ways, the Kraken X USB headset is the exact opposite of the Nari.
Where the Nari was heavy, expensive and full of excellent quality-of-life features (so many that the control scheme could become baffling at times), the X USB is almost elegantly spare.
The first thing that I noticed when I put this headset on was just how lightweight it really was. Yes, I know that it’s in the name, but this headset is so light and comfortable that I literally forgot it was on my head.
Unfortunately…… this lightness comes at a cost – durability. Whereas the original Kraken headset is built with solid aluminum construction, this headset went the plastic route.
And though the lack of durability may just be an illusion, I personally always prefer heavier-duty materials in my headsets. The Kraken X USB cost about the same as the original Kraken, which gives me an easy point of comparison. Overall, I preferred the original Kraken design, though this version certainly comes with its benefits.
For instance…… this headset has an amazingly simple user interface – something I wish other headsets leaned into more. For the beginner gamer who doesn’t want to be bothered with an extensive control scheme, this is certainly a blessing in disguise.
Likewise, the headphones are also reasonably comfortable, matching up evenly with the original Kraken in this regard.
Overall…… this is the go-to headset for any new or budget gamers, giving them a taste of solid quality without a confusing control scheme or a crazy price tag attached.
PROS
- -Very lightweight
-Solid microphone quality
-Comfortable
CONS
- -Cheaper plastic construction
-Weaker incoming sound quality
Best Razer Gaming Headset – Editor’s Choice
Value for Money 10
Ease of Use 9
Durability/Workmanship 9
Comfortable 9
Audio Quality 7
Total Score 44
Overall Score /100 88
Connection Wired
Audio Stereo Surround Sound
Microphone Retractable
Driver Size 50mm
Weight 0.7 lbs
SUMMARY:
In many ways, the Kraken headphones are exactly what I love best about Razer’s products. They’re sturdy, cheap, reliable and of much better quality than they have any right to be, especially given their low price point.
I’ve had headphones that land all over the price gradient, from cheap earbuds to $200+ cans. And you certainly feel like you’re falling into that second camp with the Razer Krakens.
I was frankly amazed at how little they ended up costing, especially given their excellent performance.
To start, their microphone is stupid-good.
No headphones that cost this much deserve to have an active voice-isolating retractable mic. However, that’s exactly what you’ll get with the Kraken.
And it’s… pretty darn good.
From my trials, there weren’t any serious issues with static or feedback, and I was coming through loud and clear on the comms to the rest of the team.
On the other end, the receiving audio quality is just okay.
It’s nothing to write home about, given that there isn’t any active noise canceling gear, but the headphones have a tight enough seal that there isn’t much ambient noise that penetrates.
Finally, as for the physical – the headphones sit comfortably on your ears for long periods (I clocked 4-5 hours without any pinching) and they’re sturdy without being heavy, never creating a noticeable burden on your ears or neck.
Overall, these headphones are excellent, and easily one of the best pairs on the market, regardless of their price point.
Given that they’re also really affordable, you’ve got a clear frontrunner for our Editor’s Choice.
PROS
- -Excellent price point
-Durable, yet lightweight construction
-Very comfortable
CONS
- -Some issues with audio controls
-No wireless capabilities or noise cancellation
Best Razer Headset For Money
Value for Money 10
Ease of Use 8
Durability/Workmanship 8
Comfortable 10
Audio Quality 7
Total Score 43
Overall Score /100 86
Connection Wireless, wired
Audio THX Spatial Audio
Microphone Retractable
Driver Size 50mm
Weight 0.95lbs
SUMMARY:
The Nari Ultimates are certainly a step up in price from the previous headset, and I was curious to see if they would come through with enough new features and improved quality to justify the price bump.
So what did I find?
Well, to begin with, the Nari is a “better” (but more expensive) pair of headphones than the Kraken.
To start, they’re very, very wearable.
After a prolonged trial, there was absolutely no pinching, thanks to some spectacular cushioning on the inside of the individual earpads.
It was also clear, after a few hours, that Razer had put some serious thought into preventing overheating, as this is the biggest issue that arises from over cushioned headphones.
Unfortunately, the sound quality was where this pair suffered, and the factor that robbed them of our Editor’s Choice award.
The incoming sound quality was excellent, crisp and complete with some of the best noise cancellation I’ve ever had.
However, the outgoing audio was another story. Due to a prevalent issue with the software, sounds picked up from my mic came through garbled and sharp, leading to potential comms issues, particularly during team games.
At the end of the day, these headphones come with everything you need for a heightened gaming experience. There are plenty of add-ons and features I haven’t yet mentioned, from a sweet charging stand to next-level haptics.
All of these take these headphones into the upper echelon of gaming headsets, without breaking the bank in the process.
PROS
- -Excellent noise cancellation
-Great overall inbound sound quality
-Good price for excellent quality
CONS
- -Poor mic quality
-Some initial software bugs
Best Razer Headset For PS4
Value for Money 9
Ease of Use 9
Durability/Workmanship 7
Comfortable 10
Audio Quality 7
Total Score 42
Overall Score /100 84
Connection Wired
Audio THX Spatial Audio
Microphone Bendable
Driver Size 50mm
Weight 0.57 lbs
SUMMARY:
Console gaming (rightfully) falls into its own category, and the folks using a classic controller/TV setup tend to have their own preferences for headsets as well.
See…… a lot goes into ensuring that in-game audio translates smoothly from your console to your headset, and headsets that perform well on PC setups don’t always translate those results to the console side of things.
I’m not going to pretend I understand everything that determines whether a headset performs on a PC vs. a console like the PS4, but there are certain internal factors that determine whether you’re dropping quality on one or the other while you play.
Anyway, long story short, the Blackshark is an excellent headset for console users – particularly those who favor the PS4 (and, probably, the PS5 as well).
First and foremost…… this headset is incredibly comfortable.
It comes with just the right amount of padding, where you remain cushioned and comfortable throughout your session, but aren’t overheating from all the extra padding.
The headset is also pretty light, and its design ergonomics are solid enough where you don’t really notice it during your session.
The only issues I had with this headset was a drop-off in bass registration which messed with some in-game sound effects, and some quality-of-life issues like the non-retractable mic and a volume knob that seems to turn the wrong direction.
PROS
- -Very comfortable on the head
-Excellent mic quality
-Solid price point
CONS
- -Sound isolation isn’t great
-No retractable mic
-Counterintuitive volume control
What Are The Different Types of Razer Headsets?
Though they all come from the same manufacturer, there are a couple of differentiating factors between these headsets on the list.
First, the audio type. These headsets are broadly split into two categories for incoming audio quality – THX Spatial audio and basic stereo/surround sound audio. Typically, the THX audio is better quality, and will be found in the more expensive headsets.
Another Big Difference Is The Mic Type
The vast majority of these headsets have boom mics, meaning they are connected to an external stalk that sits closer to your mouth and is therefore better at picking up your voice.
However, among these mics, some are retractable (which I prefer) and some are bendable, meaning you just bend them out of place to change their position.
Features To Look Out For
As in the last question, the THX Spatial Audio is an excellent feature that really improves your audio quality. Retractable mics are also a nice touch.
But beyond these, some headsets also come with Chroma lighting, which gives your headphones an awesome Matrix-esque quality, particularly in a dark room.
Finally, I really loved the cooling gel featured in the Kraken Ultimate and Kitty Editions. It’s great for keeping your ears cool during longer sessions.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions: The Best Razer Headset
Q – Which Razer headset is the best?
A – Our Editor’s Choice is the original Kraken Headset. It’s a great price for a solid gaming headset.
Q – Does Razer make good headsets?
A – Yes! Overall, many of the Razer headsets are highly rated and affordably-priced.
Q – What headset has the best mic quality?
A – Overall, any headsets with the THX Spatial Audio have the best quality mics. These include the Kitty Edition, the Blackshark and the Nari.
Round-Up: The Best Razer Headset
So there you have it – my favorite Razer headphones, as well as a few tips for your future buying decisions!
But you’re probably still wondering how these headsets all stack up against one another.